Woman charged with leaving drugs near infant

Published: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:44 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:44 a.m.

A woman who allegedly left drugs within reach of her 5-month-old son after passing out was arrested Tuesday, authorities said.

Andrea Keesling, 42, was taken into custody after an anonymous caller requested a welfare check on a child at a home in the 4600 block of Sloan Avenue just before 8 p.m., according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responding to the scene found Keesling unconscious and hanging off a reclining chair, reports said. Her infant son was strapped in a car seat on the floor of the home, with a crushed codeine pill about one foot away from him. Keesling awoke only after deputies shook her.

The child, who has Down Syndrome, was hungry and in need of a diaper change, reports noted. The boy has been handed to the custody of the state's Department of Children and Families.

Keesling is charged with child neglect, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction. She has numerous previous arrests, on various drugs, DUI and prescription fraud charges, records show.

<p>A woman who allegedly left drugs within reach of her 5-month-old son after passing out was arrested Tuesday, authorities said.</p><p>Andrea Keesling, 42, was taken into custody after an anonymous caller requested a welfare check on a child at a home in the 4600 block of Sloan Avenue just before 8 p.m., according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.</p><p>Deputies responding to the scene found Keesling unconscious and hanging off a reclining chair, reports said. Her infant son was strapped in a car seat on the floor of the home, with a crushed codeine pill about one foot away from him. Keesling awoke only after deputies shook her.</p><p>The child, who has Down Syndrome, was hungry and in need of a diaper change, reports noted. The boy has been handed to the custody of the state's Department of Children and Families.</p><p>Keesling is charged with child neglect, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction. She has numerous previous arrests, on various drugs, DUI and prescription fraud charges, records show.</p>